From father to feminist : "Call her daddy" and the rhetorical function of imperfect feminism.

The podcast Call Her Daddy and its host, Alexandra (Alex) Cooper, have evolved significantly since it first aired in 2018, developing rhetorically significant elements. This thesis argues that Cooper and her podcast represent a modern and evolving conception of imperfect feminism, made especially important in its continued evolution in the contemporary media environment. Utilizing feminist rhetorical analysis, I explore three related aspects of the podcast: hegemonic trope presentation, parasocial relationship impacts, and feminist apologia rhetoric. Situating these aspects of the podcast within its broader media ecology, it is evident that imperfect feminism functions as affective activism. This thesis demonstrates the significance of imperfect feminism as both a conceptual theoretical heuristic and as a successful rhetorical strategy for women in traditionally masculine spaces like sports commentary and the internet more generally.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Heffner, October K. (October Kathrine), 2000-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Nagel, Jeffrey Bruce, 1991-

• Imperfect feminism.
• Hegemonic narratives.
• Parasocial relationships.
• Apologia rhetoric.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13930

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13930